(But that does not mean you have to live with a face full of pimples.)

* Acne is not just for the young. (40% are over 21)

* Acne it is not an indication of poor hygiene.

* Acne is not the result of a bad diet.

* And acne definitely is not the result of sexual activity.

So, what is acne?

It is a common blemish problem that comes from natural daily production of body hair, protective skin oils and a miserable little microscopic bacteria called Propionibacterium Acnes.

If there is no cure then what can really be done about it?

First, let's understand the process of an acne pimple. The body has hair follicles that force to the skins surface. It also has a protective film of skin oil to block daily exposure to the elements (wind, dirt, bacteria, etc)

When these natural oils and hair push to the skins surface they open the skin pores to invasion by acne bacteria.

Skin bacteria (Propionibacterium Acnes) collect on the skins surface and is ever ready to invade the skin at any opportunity. Once the bacteria enters an open skin pore it travels down the pore to the oil sac where it is protected from air exposure (oxygen) and starts its dirty deed of pimple production.

Unfortunately there are both natural and man made actions that help the bacteria to invade us.

TWO ACTIONS THAT CAUSE ACNE

Natural Causes:

The natural problems are no more than a shedding process caused as the hair pushes upward. These shedding cells can block a pore while trapping bacteria causing your everyday "instant pimple".

And there is also the problem of an over-zealous production of hair and skin oils that happen during puberty (teen growth period). And during the natural menstrual cycle. Both are times when tremendous hormonal changes occur that can imbalance the natural order of skin cell, hair and skin oil production.

This over abundance of oils will push a pore open all the way to the top leaving an opening for bacteria invasion.

You also have the ever popular dirt problem. Some jobs and sports are dirty, sweaty and just down right filthy. Of course, blockage is blockage and exposure to excessive dust and bacteria laden air and other contacts will automatically produce some skin infections (pimples) as they pack the skins pores full of dirt debris and suspended chemicals that are in the air.

Man Made Causes:

Problem 1: We are all very self-conscious of our appearance. As children we were led to believe that the kid with the most pimples is the dirtiest kid on the block. Who knows how this stupid idea came about?

But the fact is we have really been given a line of bull about pimples from a young child on up.

Reality is what you have already read in the previous paragraphs.

Pimples are a natural and very unpreventable phenomena that happens as an ongoing action do to normal body production of facial hair and protective skin oils..

Unfortunately because we have this "I'm dirty tag" deeply seated in our minds, we try to over-compensate by scrubbing our brains out. We use soaps, cleaners and even acidic facial stripping chemicals to make absolutely certain that there is no dirt left on our skin.

But the end result of all that scrubbing is that we wash away the natural skin oils that our body feels obligated to provide in an effort to protect the delicate facial skin from the environment.

And when the body notices that these important thin layers of oils are gone it jumps right in and starts producing an even greater amount of protective oils just to compensate for the loss.

So by our own facial cleaning actions we actually start a vicious cycle of excessive skin oil production that is guaranteed to produce even more pimple problems as the mass production of skin oils pushes more pores open for bacteria invasion.

SIMPLY WASHING YOUR FACE CAN CAUSE MORE ACNE

The simple truth is that the average person just doesn't get all that dirty during a single day.

Even if you do run into a bunch of dirt ... "it's on the outside" above the skin oils so it will rinse off easily without a bunch of soap and scrubbing.

You see, most soap are nothing more than water softeners that break the surface tension of water. This allows the water to mix with skin oils and wash them away. Leaving you squeaky clean and totally minus the protective skin oils that the body demands that you must have for facial skin protection.

Simply put ... when you rinse your face you are actually flushing away soap, dirt and (most unfortunately) skin oils. Which triggers the body to produce excessive amounts of skin oils causing more open pores for bacteria invasion and massive pimple outbreaks.

What's the solution to this problem? Don't always wash with soaps and cleaners. Especially if your skin is oily. To balance your skin oil production you need to use a few simple warm water rinsing for a couple of days in a row. The body will eventually get the hint that there is enough protective oils and will quit overproducing.

[A new alternative to warm water washings: Obtain baby wipes (with aloe). Use the baby wipes during the day to wipe away sweat and dirt.]

HAIR SPRAYS AND MAKEUP CAN CAUSE ACNE

Problem 2: Hair sprays and makeup. Can you actually believe there is an acne problem called "party pimples"? Yep. Hair sprays and gels that get on the forehead and neck causing clogged pores. So watch out for "party pimples".

Makeup problems are immense. Some cause clogged pores. Some cause skin reactions. Some can even cause violent physical problems. Read the warnings on all products and take notice if you start seeing more pimples when you use a certain product.

EVEN ACNE REMEDIES CAN CAUSE ACNE (AND WORSE)

Problem 3: Remedy reactions. Not all things are suited for all people. And acne remedies are no exception. Again, read the warning labels and take notice if you show any of the symptoms described on the label. Never .. never blend two products together. Chemical reactions can be extremely dangerous. If in doubt always ask your Doctor or Pharmacist.

And keep in mind that the acne bacteria has the ability to immune against almost every form of antibiotic which means it becomes a stronger and stronger strain of remedy resistant bacteria each time it immunes against various medications. This is why you find it harder to overcome your acne after each different treatment.

THE GOOD NEWS

OK ... I've given you the pimple producing facts . . Now for the good news!

Even though there are no known cures for acne . . there are ways to stop the pimples from staying around and even ways to prevent more from popping up.

First you have to keep in mind that every described pimple problem begins with bacterial invasion of a pore. Which in turn causes our body defense system (white cells) to form into a massive army that creates a swollen and often painful bump as the white cells die in combat creating a pus of dead cells.

So there are two points to work on. One is to avoid the bacterial invasion. The other is to destroy the bacteria as quickly as possible (hopefully before the body sends its army of white cells).

PREVENTING ACNE BY AVOIDING BACTERIA LADEN ITEMS

Ways to avoid facial bacteria:

You can eliminate a great deal of bacteria presence by simply keeping your hands away from your face as much as possible. Plus it is always a good idea to wash your hands often as they are constantly in contact with doorknobs, handles, pencils and thousands of other bacteria laden items.

Also think of things your face comes in contact with. Bed pillows - shirts/blouses (under shirts) - face cloths - towels - etc. Make sure these items are clean and rinse your face off whenever you know you have been in contact with potential bacteria such as dogs, cats and other furry friends that we just can't help hugging.

LAST BUT NOT LEAST:

Be careful what you use on the sensitive facial skin. Many products cause dehydration which will actually increase production of Sebum (skin oils) that push pores open to more bacteria invasion. And avoid switching back and forth with various remedies as you are only strengthening the bacteria as it immunes against each form of treatment.